Low-E vs. Insulated Glass, Double Pane, and Double Glazing

Energy-efficient glass is an incredibly important consideration when it comes to both new and existing homes. Surprisingly, heat loss and heat gain through windows are responsible for close to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.

However, low-E-coated, double-pane windows and doors can offer a solution to this problem. In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between Low-E, double glazing, insulated glass, and double pane.

What is Low-E Glass?

Low-E or “low-emittance” is an extremely thin and transparent coating that is applied to the side of the glass that faces the outside. The coating is made from metal or metallic oxide materials, which are then sprayed onto glass. Low-e coatings are proven to minimize the amount of infrared light and ultraviolet light that passes through glass without compromising the quantity of visible light being transmitted. Windows equipped with Low-E work hard to protect a building’s interior while keeping the inside comfortable—and without compromising your view.

Advantages of Low-E Glass

Below are the greatest benefits of installing Low-E glass windows in your home or building:

UV Protection – Low-E glass is able to prevent the vast majority of UV radiation from entering your building, and the most effective Low-E windows can stop nearly 100% of UV radiation.

High Insulative Properties – Thanks to its low-emissivity film, Low-E glass has significant insulation power when compared to standard uncoated glass

Reduces Window Glare – Low-E glass panels deflect infrared and UVs from entering a building, therefore reducing sunlight glare indoors.

Reduced Energy Cost – While it’s true that this glass typically costs around 15% more than regular glass, Low-E reduces energy use by as much as 30-50%, particularly during the hot summer months. In no time, the initial investment will pay for itself by significantly lowering your electric bills.

Improved Comfort – Low-E makes your home or building more comfortable in every season. The Low-E coating on the glass prevents heat from escaping through the glass, keeping the building more comfortable and reducing cold drafts near windows. Conveniently, it also acts as an insulator during the winter.

What is Insulated Glass?

Insulated glass, also referred to as insulated glazing unit (IGU) or double glazing, is a type of glass with two or more panes separated by a layer of inert gas, namely argon or krypton between them. The design principle of insulated glass is to drastically reduce heat transfer and aesthetically serve the purpose of structural insulation. Multiple layers of glass make it more durable and strong, adding to the strength of the design element. This increased strength is one of the prime reasons why insulated glass is typically preferred for commercial and industrial use.

Advantages of Insulated Glass

Below are the top three advantages of installing insulated glass windows in your structure:

Reduces Heat Gain/Loss – The biggest benefit of insulated glass is that it helps in insulation by reducing the heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Increases Energy Efficiency – Because insulated glass reduces heat transfer, it subsequently lowers the electrical power consumption required for cooling or heating the space. Added Low-e and reflective coatings can further improve the efficiency of the glass by limiting the heat transfer.

Added Security – Insulated glass can even act as a safety and security window. In comparison to a single pane window, it is more difficult to break an insulated glass unit.

What is Double-Pane Glass?

Double-pane glass refers to the process of adhering two separate pieces of glass together in order to create a window or door. A pocket of airspace remains between these two pieces of glass, which is then dried to create an air space that is airtight. This maximizes the insulation properties and eliminates the possibility of condensation.

Advantages of Double-Pane Glass

The following are the top advantages of installing double-pane glass windows in a home or building:

Insulates Your Windows – Double-pane windows provide buildings with exceptional insulation by keeping heat out in the summer and cold out in the winter.

Prevents Window Condensation – Single-pane windows can lead to heavy condensation that builds up during the colder months, creating an inefficient heat transfer in a building.

Limits Noise Pollution – The extra layer that double-pane glass provides works to keep exterior noise outside and internal noise inside.

Lower Your Energy Consumption with Kaneka Energy Management Solutions

If you’re looking for one of the most energy-efficient glasses on the market, consider Kaneka’s Low-E Photovoltaic glass for buildings.

Kaneka Energy Management Solutions helps your business lower its building energy consumption by implementing the best available technologies and energy solution strategies. Our goal is to drive both energy generation and energy savings with minimal time, costs, effort, and risk, all while maximizing the return of your project!